California: Teen Lifeguard Rescues Young Boy From Powerful Waves at Santa Cruz Beach (Video)
A 16-year-old lifeguard rescued a young boy from rough surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz after the child was overwhelmed by powerful waves. The dramatic rescue was captured on video by a witness, who said changing sea conditions caught beachgoers by surprise. The boy was treated by paramedics before being released to his parents.
A dramatic rescue at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, was captured on video after a 16-year-old lifeguard entered rough surf to save a young boy who was being overwhelmed by powerful waves. The incident, which was filmed by a witness, highlights the dangers posed by changing ocean conditions as hazardous surf is expected to continue through Wednesday.
According to the man who recorded the video, the boy, believed to be around 10 years old, was caught in a series of large waves and struggled to stay afloat. The teenage lifeguard rushed into the water, held onto the child and attempted to bring him back to shore despite being repeatedly battered by the surf. Other swimmers also tried to assist before another lifeguard reached the pair. California: Hero Coach Dives Into Danger, Saves Father-Daughter Duo From Deadly Rip Current in Oceanside; Video Goes Viral.
Dramatic Video Shows Teen Lifeguard Saving Young Swimmer at Santa Cruz Beach
NEW: Lifeguards save a young boy who was caught in large waves in Santa Cruz, California.
"The lifeguard just had a gorilla grip on that young man, held him from getting swept back out," said Scott Vander Dussen, who filmed the incident.
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Witness Describes Sudden Change in Conditions
Scott Vander Dussen, who filmed the rescue, said the sea conditions changed unexpectedly, catching beachgoers off guard. "The waves, I wouldn't say they were tranquil, but they were what you'd expect, a normal cadence and intensity," witness Scott Vander Dussen said. "And then that just changed in a heartbeat. It caught a lot of people off-guard. Unfortunately, this young man was overwhelmed and swept out in just a moment's time. I'm glad it ended the way it did. I'm certain if the lifeguards weren't there, he wouldn't have gone home that night."
Describing the rescue, Vander Dussen added: "The lifeguard just had a gorilla grip on that young man, held him from getting swept back out." US Man Alex Honnold Climbs Taipei 101 Rope-Free, Video Goes Viral.
Boy Evaluated by Paramedics
According to Vander Dussen, the boy was examined by paramedics after being brought safely to shore before being released into the care of his parents. Authorities have not released additional details about the child or the incident.
While officials did not comment on the specific training of the teenage lifeguard involved in the rescue, Santa Cruz lifeguards are required to complete extensive preparation before serving on the beach.
The training includes at least 56 hours of lifeguard instruction, 24 hours of medical certification training, and more than 80 hours of marine safety lifeguard training, equipping them to respond to emergencies in challenging ocean conditions.
Officials have warned that dangerous surf conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday, urging swimmers and beach visitors to remain cautious and follow lifeguard instructions. The incident serves as a reminder that ocean conditions can change rapidly, even when the sea initially appears manageable.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2026 10:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
